Is adventure riding a middle aged death wish?︱Cross Training Adventure

[@crosstrainingadventure]

MOTORBIKE CRASH STUDIES "In the U.S. as well as other countries, the number of motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes has risen sharply over the past five years, due in part to the increased popularity of motorcycling among older riders.... Whereas the number of motorcyclists ages 16-24 declined over the 13-year study period, the number of riders ages 35 and older increased. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217420/ "Injury crashes increased for older riders. The proportion of riders aged 60 years and older involved in injury crashes doubled (from 3-7%) over the ten years... Older riders had poorer injury outcomes. The odds of a severe injury crash outcome increased with rider age and were found higher by 39% if the rider was aged 60 years and over (relative to 25-59). The proportion of injury crashed older riders across motorcycle age groups increased with motorcycle age." www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1572918/VSRG-Motorcycle-Crash-Risk-and-Injury-Outcome-Factors-Report-336.pdf

[@joeljeffcoat6241]

@r m in my area, a high percentage of accidents and fatalities seem to be a result of what I refer to as “geezers on Harley’s”. Sadly, many of them are new riders, and are on bikes that aren’t very easy to control on the twisty mountain roads, and often simply enter a curve too fast. For that reason, I started on a 450, and spent five years honing my skills before stepping up to a 650. I’ll take a light, nimble bike any day.

[@Clickmaster5k]

So far I cant find any data in either study to show that younger riders or older riders are more or less safe. All the data shows is that there are more older riders now and less younger riders. To know who is safest we would need to see % of riders in an age group that crash and all they are showing in these reports is % of crashed riders are what age. If there are more old riders you would expect to see more crash, but of that group there may still be fewer of that group as a % crashing.

[@Clickmaster5k]

@r m There is logic and data in that older riders have better judgement and more experience though too. Offroad riders or riders that have a lot of off-road experience where far under represented in some other crash report I saw recently.

[@detritus5151]

Good video - been riding for 40 yrs and recently started growing up and feeling mortal, so I sold my GTR1400 because if it can do 200+ through a bend, I'll take it there - not all the time of course, but waaay too often - sorry, can't help it, I'm a biker - but I know my reflexes are not as good, and my body will not take that much abuse if I come off, so I am now on a 650GS Dakar and a lot more relaxed and even sticking to speed limits here and there. I started riding on dirt bikes, and now I'm going back, getting off the roads, away from the lunatics and into nature. Don't know if it's my imagination or if car drivers have gotten more entitled and/or retarded in the last couple of years? @Joel Jeffcoat - I have a Harley and agree that it is not a starter bike - It's tricky to ride if you don't know what you're doing - going wide into corners is a very real danger, as is emergency braking, and anything over 160kmh gets scary. Light and nimble is the way to go - something that handles and stops quickly. Most of my best bikes ever were between 400 and 750cc. "It's more fun riding a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow" Ride safe everyone.

[@artproposal7774]

@@joeljeffcoat6241 so, there is real chance to stepping to 850 by the age of 80.

[@Yoda8945]

I am 70. In riding over 50 years, i had never done dirt riding. 2-1/2 years ago I bought a DRZ400 set up as an adventure bike. Through hard work, studying and learning from other riders, I have become comfortable with adventure riding as shown in this video. It has also really improved my street riding . I wish I had started a long time ago.

[@plebie]

i feel young (im 17) and i am

[@wadehampton1737]

I agree. I'm 60 and I have been riding a DRZ400 for almost 20 years. Prior to that, I rode street bikes like cruiser 1400's exclusively for 10 years and although I never had a serious accident, I rode within my limits, which were many. The DRZ made me a much better rider and I find that dual sport bikes really serve any purpose that I have for bikes beyond long distance touring (which is far and few between these days anyway). Dual sport bikes gave me the real love of motorcycles and the skills to survive in a much broader arena.

[@exploder69]

A lesson I learned exploring alone: you can almost always ride slow enough that you can't get badly hurt, usually just fall over gently. You might not get as far as you wanted, but you and the bike always make it back in one piece. You have to be happy with enjoying the extra detail you get to see while riding slower, instead of the blurry miles you get at high speeds. For me the intimate detail has become my strong preference, I resent riding too fast, I feel like I just flew past everything instead of really getting to see and be everywhere I went.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Completely agree. I filmed this vid when I was around 50 and still enjoyed a bit of speed through the forests. But close to a decade later I'm surprised at how much slower I'm going so that I can really enjoy the scenery... and be safer of course.

[@BadgerMcblasty]

I agree. The journey. Not the destination.

[@williamdickson9908]

@@crosstrainingadventure There is way too much natural beauty out in the forest to just speed by and miss it.

[@draftwood]

@@williamdickson9908 That's why I ride mountain bikes and motorcycles. An added benefit is the fitness gained on the bicycle makes for more motorcycle endurance.

[@jvl4832]

Thanks for putting it out there...100% agree...we all suffer from a false bravado,especially as we get older trying to prove we still got it. Good, sound advice to keep us alive as our vision and reflexes diminish . As another vlogger would say , nothing to prove..

[@louisdriscoll2580]

I’m 68 years young, ride a KTM 690 enduro r , drive a 68 mustang, ride fast Saturday groups on a Canyon bicycle, and mountain bike with my girlfriend....life is good...the bicycling has keep me in shape, resting heart is 55, just do it.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Yeah that doesn't sound like you are slowing down much, Louis. 🤣 Awesome to see!

[@darwincowell2668]

Wow, parallel lives! 69, 790 Adventure, mountain bike, 124 Spider, but original woman, so heart rate even lower. Life is great if you make it so.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Have you seen our vid about 68 year old Larry, Louis? He's still smoking on his dirt bike! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoeaipqqntSInqM

[@Don-co9zs]

smug

[@darwincowell2668]

@@Don-co9zs yes

[@newbs70]

I’ve recently turn 50. I got myself a Dr. One thing I’m noticing, I’ve definitely lost my nerve. I think a lot more about the consequences now. I guess it’s a good thing.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Yeah, I'm in the same boat John. I still occasionally do stuff for thrills but I think about it a lot more now... how risky is it? Is it worth the thrills? Also I have slowed down more a lot of the time to actually enjoy the scenery which is a big plus.

[@Walkeranz]

@@zacharysmith7872 crashes on the street hurt. Crashing in the dirt is part of it.

[@0xsergy]

@@zacharysmith7872 once you're 50+ crashes are way more devastating mate. that's the point these guys are making.

[@0xsergy]

@@zacharysmith7872 lol, i'm not known for my brains.

[@dallas_shannon]

I was thinking of doing a video about that very idea. I may have lost my nerve and can't admit it to myself...

[@mjp_adventures7582]

I’m so glad you added in at the end...”and sisters”. I took my test at 50 and four years on have never looked back. I love off road and adventure riding, roads are there just to get you to the next bit of beautiful countryside or green lane. Next year I retire and with the world open again, I will be off....will be spending the winter and next spring choosing the new bike which as a reasonably new rider and a rather small 5ft 3 is key. On the shortlist is the new Honda crf300 rally 🤗. Reliable, light weight and fingers crossed will get me to Australia and beyond ! Love your videos, cheers from the UK Jackie

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Great to hear, Jackie! My Canadian compatriots and I are always stoked to see women on two wheels. We've been putting a few vids together to celebrate those who are already into the sport. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmq0nZ54o9WKZ7s

[@theall996]

I’m still a 16 year old kid but eventually I’m gonna get an adventure bike and go on some wild camping trips on the trails. Always wanted to go out in the desert and do some Astro Photography by a campfire and tent. I’m not too interested In going fast, just want to take in the sights.

[@joemajinska588]

Ha! I am living this. Grew up on trails. Found mx. And now am the dork on a dual sport bike and loving every minute of it.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Dorks on bikes... and proud of it, Joe. 😍

[@jrbass62]

I'm 60 6'0 165 lbs and still hustling this 2014 Suzuki v strom 1000 around florida back and dirt roads !! Don't quit !!

[@nunya9555]

My answer is yes! I started offroad riding after 25 years of road riding and got hurt very badly. Do not get off when you are going 40 plus on a trail guys. It doesn't go well! I count myself very blessed to be able to walk and talk and seem somewhat normal after the incident. But then again, I am not normal, lol. I ditched the dual sport but still have a road bike, and will always miss dirt riding. Maybe a slow and light trail bike is in my future. Probably not

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I know what you mean, it doesn't take a lot of speed to mess ourselves up. E.g. We only have to hit a tree head on with our helmet at 40kmh (25mph) to generate 300G impacts which are around the lethal level of brain injury. Good to hear you are still with us!

[@nunya9555]

@@crosstrainingadventure. And I am glad you are still with us as well, after your recent crash! Thanks be to God I didn't hit a tree. I just tumbled across the desert and wound up laying on a steel culvert (drain pipe under the trail). Only broke 6 ribs, punctured my spleen and one lung, and received (yet another) concussion. I love the humor in your videos, keep up the great work!

[@jeffvail1452]

I've been riding since the age of teen now at the age of 60 i still love hare scramble im not as fast as i once was but i still love it just as much as i ever have.

[@claudio9932]

I am one year late on this discussion. Agree 100! You are not only an inspiration and teacher but a poet thank you 😊

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Glad you enjoyed the vid, Claudio. I may have had a few red wines before narrating this one lol.

[@cowboyanimal_1]

Lovely video. Thank you. It's been a long day and I love coming to this. You're like an old friend I never knew, maybe a kind neighbour. It's just nice to watch. Keep safe and well. Godspeed.

[@markg7834]

I just turned 71 and have been riding since I was 11 years old. I started out on the road for 10 years, then after college graduation it was MX for 5 years then enduro/cross country races mixed with casual trail riding for 20 years followed by road riding until now. Since the late 1990s I've had a succession of street bikes from sport-tourers to a big, heavy adventure bike, which I still have. However, I'd love to hit the trails again on a 350-500cc dual-sport. I might just look into that. I certainly agree with your comments about the perils of road riding. This is a military town and in good weather there are quite a few folks commuting to the base on motorcycles. One might think there'd be more motorcycle awareness among local drivers because of all the bikes on the road here, in general. However it seems only large, tall, loud pickup trucks get respect in this part of the world.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

There are so many of us returning to dirt riding in our 50s and beyond Mark. and I think that if we wear protective gear and keep fit it can still be reasonably safe too. Have you seen the vid on our enduro channel where I'm trying to keep up with a 76 year old? He's just turned 80 and still going for it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5XMZZ-Ya9mSlcU&lc=Ugi5sK-C5FI163gCoAEC

[@markg7834]

@@crosstrainingadventure I’m watching it now. That man is amazing! Thanks for the link.

[@peterc2876]

I’m 56 now and have ridden off road mainly since I was 15... will never get tired of discovering new trails and getting to places couch lovers can only dream of, plus the benefits of fresh air and keeping your mind and body active negotiating some interesting single track occasionally.... it’s the ultimate freedom!!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

New trails... love it! I did so much adventure riding five years back I'll be going a long way now to find new trails. But it will be a pile of fun riding the old ones still.

[@RidingWithTom]

Haha I’ve gone through all of this in only 10 years, I’m now and old man adventure rider at 30 years old

[@algee8228]

I wish I could have started this when I was 30!!

[@Nathan123Davis]

Would love to see some supermoto videos again.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@algee8228 Im so happy I started on dirtbikes in 1972 racing flattrack,and never quit riding dirt. I may be 63 but the years on bikes help with staying on top of things. I still dont want a big 2 cylinder ADV bike,the weight takes the fun out of sliding around and so on.

[@ragetobe]

Not sure how 30 is ever considered old 😂.

[@yamkaw346]

@@ragetobe I think he means he rides calm like an old man

[@dropbear9526]

Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Amen

[@omnipresent1215]

Some of us get older and wiser... others just get old. Dear God, please bless me with wisdom.

[@360Crank]

I'm 63 and have only had a few years without a bike when my kids were young. I've been riding street (and the odd track day) since, on my KTM 1290GT- my "entertainment unit". I just got back to riding off-road after a 40 year absence. I am having a ridiculous amount of fun riding tight single-track mountain trails in the forests of B.C. on a trials bike. Huge fun at sane speeds! Thanks for the video... it describes me pretty well.

[@phredocassera2939]

When I was younger I figured out that Grizzlies bears blended into the rain soaked leaves and bark.. and that “as fast as I can” is not the best way to enjoy the ride off-road. But admittedly.. on the street.. I still ride as fast as I can for the most part.. but as I get older and more broken.. that speed is dropping as well..

[@tomwip2686]

Nice job, very eloquent. And true. 60yrs here, been riding racing my whole life.

[@jasonlawrence8302]

I'm still pulling wheelies and riding like a maniac at 70! Ride On!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Congrats Jason... that's my goal but of course it all depends on overall health. I'll let you know in 12 years time!

[@WhatTimeIsIt369]

That's awesome Jason!! I aspire to do the same. I am middle aged now and take as many chances as I did when I was 20. I am just better at it now! I was down in Utah riding the back country and there was an xr400 all decked out that was just flying! Going as fast as me and I was really moving! He stopped a ways ahead and I stopped beside him to have a chat. He was 80 years old at that point!!!! I was so shocked and impressed at the same time. When you see guys like that, or you, it makes us believe that it is possible to retain a semblance of youth into our older years. Congrats on staying young at heart and mind!!

[@colmhaughey7001]

Don’t let the old man in...!!!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

😂

[@verbalwidget0919]

I have been with out a lot in my life, but never a dirt bike. That makes me a rich man. I started riding when I was 14 and at 62 have turned from tracks to the thrill of exploring the backroads of my state, gently pushing the conditions now and then so I can briefly relive the excitement of living in a fading body. Duel Sport has saved my soul . Thank you for the great video's

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Great attitude there!

[@iross7345]

From my own set of multiple fractures, I am now much more aware of my own mortality. While dirt riding speeds are generally lower, and trees don't pull out in front of you, I have learned the hard way that the wisdom of being able to stop within the distance that you can see to be clear still applies. While it is tempting to rip along the trails it pays to remember that there could be another bike, or worse a 4x4, coming towards you. Stay safe out there.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Ouch. Did you have a head on with a 4x4? Luckily my own fractures were purely my own fault. But there are guys going totally nuts in our forests who can easily hurt you badly even if doing reasonable speeds yourself.

[@jaimemetcher388]

I find in the dirt conditions are so consistently variable (if that makes sense) that I do tend to ride like I don't know what's around the next corner. On the road we get lulled by the norm that there's "never" anything but more road around the corner and consistently ride beyond our ability to react. Hell, I've seen advertised ride groups defined by how many multiples of the advised cornering speed they carry (2x, 3x, etc), and in Oz at least that speed is about visibility and reaction time, not traction limits. As for other guys going nuts - I keep well away from other motorcyclists, both on and off road. For all the (justified) raging at "cagers on phones", it's the other riders that scare me the most.

[@shanusays]

This year made me realize my own mortality and that time is really slipping through my fingers. I don't know if I'm having a mid life crisis at 30, but yes, this helped me. Thanks for making me love life and the time we have, once again, rather than thinking about the time we might not. Lots of love! Ride safe!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Well said, Satadal. It's important to love life while we still have it!

[@mohba01]

been enjoying off road riding for almost 10 years now. passing of a very good friend made me want to go back to building two stroke road racing bikes in memory of him. i am building 2 of them in my basement now. So, Rest in Peace, Whoever you are ~ You set a great example and advanced the human race. because that's what we motorcycle people do.

[@jkpinpdx]

went from just... "Subscribed" to hitting the BELL!🙏 for this. 4 wheels moves the body... 2 wheels moves the SOUL!👊🏽

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Thanks for the sub! I hope get the notifications, a lot of guys say they still miss a lot of new vids even after hitting the bell for some reason.Bloody KZbin! 🤣

[@irishflyer6377]

Outstanding, exactly how so many of us feel and we’re happy to take the minor injuries in return for the adventure.

[@ricbarnes6272]

Three years ago i started riding again after about 40 plus years, best thing i ever did, when i get on my faithful steed i feel years younger. I am now 72 & am looking forward to next seasons' riding. I wouldn't want to end my life any time soon, but if it happens, i'd prefer it to be when out cruising around than keel over with a heart attack in my easy chair. Keep on having fun, i don't think you're ever too olde to ride, riding is a freedom which non riders ever get to feel.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Awesome to hear Ric, hope you have years ahead of you!

[@paul.vanhout57]

I do it all, dirt, adv and road and am passionate about riding. Keep working on my skills, trying to stay in shape and know my limits. I dread the day they take the keys away!

[@dualsportdiary1150]

Look at the bright side. Dirt bikes don't need keys! Lmao

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Motorised wheel chairs, Paul. Wheelies in the corridor of the nursing home... never say die!

[@D.E.X]

I do it all too. I need to use more discretion. Some of these gals have STDs. I totally blame my ADV bike. Never got a STD from a lady rider, tho... It must be the tent and Glenlivet at the end of the day... Maybe too many logs on the fire? Or the campfire ribeyes?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

🤣

[@murraybown2502]

Some insightful comments made during this vid, many of which I can definitely relate to, said the old git who’s just bought a big Africa twin.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Liking it Murray? I haven't managed to ride on yet but keen to try.

[@murraybown2502]

@@crosstrainingadventure hope your getting back to full fitness after your last accident.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Going great with short rides at the moment, thanks Murray. Should be 100% healed in another two months!

[@strimmeestrimme]

I’m 53. Riding since I was 16. I’ll never give up. It’s my medicine.

[@ericcarlson917]

Me too, but 15.5, with California M/C learner's permit , haha 😂

[@Joe-co4sq]

I'm 52. My 350excf was stolen two months ago. I bought a new 790 duke the day before Thanksgiving. I'm riding it almost every day but I miss the mud. Maybe for my 55th bday I'll buy another exc.😁 Live to ride and ride to live. We'll know when we have to stop.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Best tasting medicine I've every come across 😂

[@svenhodaka9145]

@@crosstrainingadventure Yup, agreed. That’s why you never see a motorcycle parked at the psychiatrists office! Greetings from 🇨🇦

[@tealbunny]

Just twist the throttle and start the therapy. Wind therapy on the twisty carless roads works best. ride safe ride free friend

[@leelove5089]

I turned 67 today. I got back in to motorcycle 2 years ago, when a neighbor gave me a Honda GL500 that he parked when his 14 year old daughter was born. It only has 7,800 miles on it. This February, I bought a '83 GL650 that was refreshed by my late friend DavidInWisconsin. Last month, I bought a 2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Interceptor. You don't have to act like a 14 year old when you get back on motorcycles. I asked my dealer/mechanic about breaking in the new Interceptor. He said "Just don't go reving it, etc'. I said, "I am 66 and I ride like I am 66." I often pull over so cars can pass while I am going 5mph over the speed limit. I stop for pedestrians at crosswalks on the Mississippi River Parkway. At intersections, I wave the cars to go before me instead of trying to beat them. You can be amazed by the smiles and waves you get from people when you are a polite (adult) motorcyclist and not an "Outlaw." To me, it is all about the ride and not how fast you get there or what rules you break. I admire those guys touring on Super Cubs. And just about the only time I will go on dirt or gravel is to get the the campsite or to take a logging trail I pass along the way. I see people riding Interceptors in India through the Himalayas to Nepal. I have nothing to prove. I just want to enjoy the ride. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXS5k3p-fMuehdk

[@saladdays180s9]

Fifty four and got a KTM 790R. Is so much fun after an over thirty year layoff. I got one for my for my grown son so we can ride occasionally when he doesn’t have to work. It’s been a great experience with the exception of a severe high ankle sprain. Made me opt for suitable off road tires. In the woods its always wet and add some clay to the mix and things can go south quickly even at cautious speeds. Undaunted and have met some of the best people. We all belong in the same asylum!

[@cadelewis2718]

I have been riding Consistently since 9 years old and am now 47. Worked at motorcycle shops when young, tried dirt, sport, touring, trials and everything in between just because I love pretty much anything on 2 wheels. After watching a bunch of the cross training series I Am pretty hard pressed to think of a guy thats done more for motorcycling than this Barry guy. Thanks heaps for all the work.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Thanks Cade, but I have to take my hat off to the guys who do so much but are almost invisible in the riding community. Club volunteers, track cutters and maintainers etc. There are truly amazing people out there who are the unsung heroes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2bWoXqahbiejq8

[@cadelewis2718]

Thanks for being humble too, I do my fair share of track cutting as well and enjoy it a great deal. Dealing with stuff in public and making the sport look more appealing is something few can pull off well. I will stick To chainsaw work and let you deal with the barrage of opinion/facts with some measure of john cleese like grace.

[@DadsDomain]

I took around 6 years off from riding....3 kids close in age, career advancement, house projects...etc. In the last two years that I started riding again I appreciate it in new ways that I didn't before. Now we ride off road as a family and while I want to get into adventure riding I don't feel the need to go faster than 65 anymore on two wheels. When I was young and hopped on a bike I wanted to know what that top speed was!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

The need for speed lol! Thankfully it becomes less of a need and more of an option for most of us as we get older.

[@williamdickson9908]

WOW! This is a video which needed to me made a long time ago! You have summed up so much about how everyone needs an escape from the day to day routine. Just bought a DR650 earlier this year and I try to ride it everyday (on and off road) just for therapy. I really enjoy your videos. Please keep em going! Cheers from the USA!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

How's the DR650 working out for you William? I'm on my fourth one now, and yes it's great therapy!

[@williamdickson9908]

@@crosstrainingadventure The DR650 is working out great! For me, it is the best all round bike one can own. I have already done several modifications (including your Carby Mod) and I really enjoy it. I have referenced several of your videos during the modification process and you guys (Blokes) really have helped us guys new to DS/ADV bikes. Thanks again and best wishes! Cheers! William

[@farouk6564]

Fantastic writing. I love this channel. Thank you

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Thanks Farouk!

[@lauriewhy1805]

Old enough to know better , alive enough to enjoy acting young sometimes . You are right the dirt is safer .

[@michaelhayward7572]

Been away from the channel for a while. Great to hear Barry's soothing dulcet tone again. Re road bikes, not neccessary to need the speed. A great way to see the countryside, and tour in a relaxed manner, say covering 300-400 miles per day over a week long trip makes a great holiday too. Regards,

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I sold my last road bike at 50 as I just got bored if I wasn't pushing it hard through corners, Michael... but then wasn't happy with the risks involved. I reckon I'd probably be able to chill more now and enjoy it, but just do the same rides on the adventure bike. One of the great things about aging for many of us is you slowly lose the need for speed. 😊

[@michaelhayward7572]

@@crosstrainingadventure i just turned 60 Barry, only got into trials 3 years ago with a project basket case of 4 (all 1984 Japan models) ty250 mono Yams, that i managed to make 2 good ones out of, and a bunch of spares. Great exercise and learning new skills, the low speed offs are a bonus compared to that mad enduro stuff you do. Still got my 89 Guzzi Cali lll and my 79 Triumph that i bought new as a teenager 41 years ago.... Kind regards keep up the good work.

[@grantjohnston5817]

63 and still charging around on my vintage Elsinore .Broke back 15 years ago but that s not going to stop me!Cheers from St Antoine Abbe Quebec Canada!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Fantastique, Monsieur J! The Elsinore was a great bike in the 1970s. I enjoyed dirt riding around Gaspe a few years ago.

[@grantjohnston5817]

@@crosstrainingadventure Stunning scenery!Salut et bonne chance!

[@SuperMan-lm5hc]

I bought a CR450R 2016 cam head work Cruise Tune suspension I have not Ridden a bike in over 10 years been the ripe old age of 36 And we’ll all I can say is the bikes have got faster to ride but the old body is a bit slower These days

[@robkeogh4593]

BAZZA..... Love this vid, a bit of Strummers music in the background, almost back to the future...... Good one mate.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Thanks Rob, he's made some incredible music over the years. 😁

[@bryanreeme8584]

My childhood bike was a ct90, best thing ever... Now in my 50s, and in the sticks, I have an '18 KLR .. don't have to touch pavement to leave home, and I barely ever do! Great vid👍

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Ditto for a Honda 50 here, Bryan. Terrible bikes by today's standard but we never knew that lol.

[@bryanreeme8584]

@@crosstrainingadventure some day I'll realize how terrible my KLR is!.. but for now, woohoo!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Exactly the same for the DR lol

[@soilsmanadv6673]

your stats prove why i am starting with single track and 2 track with a two stroke and not a 1250 gs with taking 25 years off from riding

[@grokster9ontheroads174]

57+ and still riding and went from pure street or pure dirt to adventure cruising on my dirt oriented ,( outfitted) v- strom 1000 . The dirt riding I do I can easily,( most of the time) handle on it and when the pavement starts I have high speed ,smooth cruising!

[@felipeduque4620]

I understand the feeling. I am 61 and getting close to 1/3 of the way. Meanwhile, I stick to the present, paddleboard 2-3 times a week, workout 4-5 , and now considering trading in my Harley for an adventure bike. I love my life😎👊🏼

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Good to hear, Felipe! I believe exercise becomes an increasingly important key to ensuring we can ride for as long as possible. Recently I met a former Australian motocross champion from the 1980s... super fit as he still works out two hours a day in his 60s and he's still lean and muscular like a guy in his 20s. I'm not that motivated, but he's a good role model!

[@andysvfr]

Fantastic video, those trails look amazing, I'm so jealous. Thanks for filming, Andy

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Glad you enjoyed it, Andy! Good to be back on an adventure bike and hoping to get a new vid out each week if possible.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Dual sport riding is the best medicine for us middle age crisis guys . It’s my therapy . I’ll ride till I can’t ride anymore .

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Hear hear. It's great to see quite a few guys hitting 80 and still into road, dirt or dual sport riding.

[@ZSharkPH]

I rode street for most of my life. But the last 10 years, its been primarily dirt or dual sport. To the point where i should sell my road bikes. I keep thinking I'll take a road trip. But every time i get time off. I plan an off road trip. So much more to see off pavement... ADV On !!!!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I know everyone is different, but I've bought road bikes three times and just can't get into it. After dirt riding it just doesn't tick the boxes in the same way. What bikes do you have at the moment?

[@ZSharkPH]

@@crosstrainingadventure Well thanks to you. I have a well modified 2009 DR650 for dual sport. My single track weapon is a 2016 YZ250X.. But my road bikes collecting dust are a 2004 Harley Road Glide. I've ridden across United states and Canada many times on. I'm embarrassed to say i have a way to much money in a chopper i had custom built back in 2005. Can't sell it for pennies on the dollar.. And I have a 1976 Suzuki GT750 triple smoker I need to restore.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Awesome collection! If they'd just slap an e-start on the YZ250X and bore it out to 300cc I would be all over it.

[@chasp_0784]

@@crosstrainingadventure took me about a year to realise I don’t care much about road riding, track riding though, excellent. Speed and technique challenges abound.

[@dallas_shannon]

Sell 'em. Think how chuffed you'll be if you injury yourself badly on your street ride and end your off-road career!

[@Michael-xo8lw]

What an outstanding video. Thank you so much.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Our pleasure, Michael! It never hurts to pause now and then, examine your life, and make sure you are heading where you want to be going.

[@glossblack1098]

Great video, very funny too. When road riding I'm constantly looking at the speedo and slowing down to avoid getting a speeding fine. Also constantly worried about dumb drivers and traffic etc. But out on the trails, I can go my own pace all day, ignore the speedo, and not see another vehicle all day. For me, dirt riding is much more relaxing and gives you a greater sense of freedom.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

So true. Even a stock restricted DR650 needs attention to keep under urban speed limits... but once you hit the dirt roads you will never see patrol cars or speed guns.

[@majorgunn]

You produce the greatest material... and yes you are so right, I still do both... And I traded in my 1090R because it was too fast off road and I have realized a lesson from Chris Birch does not make one Chris Birch.... AND seeing you on your KLR makes me want a 600+/- single as my off road unit... thank you for this.. Michael from Canada.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I know what you mean, Michael. A whole weekend with Chris Birch didn't make much difference... although we applied everything religiously and did see big improvements over the next few months.

[@mal-wx6tu]

I has always ridden, superbikes and dualsports for over 40 years, the first being a DT250E in 1978, so 58 now and a KLR 650 is my current bike, ( nothing left to prove ), still commute most days on it, a few years left in me yet.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Plenty of years left... or I hope so (I"m around the same vintage). 😊

[@michaelsrensen1138]

Well, I'm now 67 and I love riding my bike. Nature, fresh air and a bike - what's not to like :)

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Absolutely

[@twinshock175]

Great summary Barry, many pointed facts.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Thanks Roger!

[@theEHWAZ]

Great video, watching it was therapeutic. I chose to go from my historic road riding to ADV riding, off-road for the first time and loving every minute of it. Slow rides on dirt roads through beautiful forests in stunning mountains without a soul around, just me, wildlife, and my bike. I know my limitations, at least I hope I do, and define adventure as pushing slightly against my limits leading to steady improvement. My motto is "discomfort = growth" and no longer the motto of my youth which was "no pain, no gain". I'm wiser now, have a lot of responsibilities, and will take calculated risks but that's all. When I'm not riding, I equally enjoy tinkering with my bike. Brings back memories of being a kid adding accessories to my BMX bike. Do we ever really grow up, mentally that is...

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I a sense I hope we never completely grow up. 😁 I think it's always good to retain some of that child-eyed wonder when out riding. And completely agree with 'discomfort = growth', I tried to take that tack with my latest injury... with a fair bit of success I think! facebook.com/watch/?v=768642337268990

[@sjbechet1111]

Your preferential observations about off-road riding perfectly describes most New Zealand roads. I have never know a country where you can end up airborne or sliding mid corner so often on a sealed roads as I have in Clarkistan.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Well that does it... I'll have to add Clarkistan to my bucket list now. 🤣 I do hope to get there one day... I assume there would still be bucket loads of dirt roads that can be stitched together for epic adv rides?

[@sjbechet1111]

@@crosstrainingadventure ​ There's heaps. I have some mates who do a trip from Dorkland to Invercargill (Burt Monroe Rally) - only about 200k on tarmac. Opotiki to Gisbourne all off road...endless list. Good organized rides through private land too.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Great to hear.

[@kevinstav4757]

Excellent video, I just bought a new TW200 to get back into it at 63 , I don't plan to ride as quick as that on the trails ,Yikes !!!

[@billmastrippolito7132]

I'm 60 and bought an XT250 after a 30 year break from riding a trials bike. Still trying to work out what my limits are at 60 and also my bike isn't a trials bike now. So stuff that looked easy to me 30 years ago is now either hard or impossible.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Great to hear you are back, Bill! I'm sure you'll pick up the skills again. It was a bit younger, but at 50 I decided to get serious about learning proper dirt riding skills and was surprised at how much I was able to improve. If you know our Cross Training Enduro channel we've been putting up training vids as we learn more.

[@billmastrippolito7132]

@@crosstrainingadventure I've probably watched some of yours already and that would be why youtube popped this one up as a recommendation for me, I'll go have a look at your channel for sure. Wasn't any youtube 30 years ago so learning then was by "trial and error". Now I'm older the "errors" hurt more so I've been watching lots of videos to learn how other people do things. My biggest problem is working out what my current limits are due to now riding an enduro bike and not a trials bike and being way less fit than I was. I still prefer the more gnarly stuff than speed, just have to work out how gnarly to attempt with a less capably bike and rider...lol

[@slickrick6396]

Great video definitely hit the points at 62 still riding gave up the street Harley loving my KL are 650

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Quite a few comments have been about quitting hogs and taking up adventure riding. Do you think it's the extra challenge of dirt roads, or mainly just really getting away from the big smoke?

[@RoamingTerry]

Yep so true. That's me I'm one of them and loving the Dr. Sold my bikes at 30 and got married blah blah then bought my dr at 48 and started my utube channel. Thanks for all your vids by the way. Learnt alot from them. Cheers

[@cfvgd]

one more thing to consider: Guys get license and a bike at much higher age now. Because of legal reasons and the lack of money

[@allenhuling598]

You've described me very well, sir, thanks.......I think! Great video, and I'm glad you're back on the DR! Ride safe!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Thank you kindly, Allen. Taking it very easy until the back's fully healed in March 2021!

[@robbyclark6915]

I’m 51 and just started riding! It’s the funnest thing I’ve ever done in my life! I have to say that, although I’m not experienced with off road riding, it definitely looks like the funnest thing you can do with two wheels! I have to give it a try! Guess I’ll have to get another bike?!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Welcome Robby, it's great hobby! Hopefully you've got all your protective gear sorted? Always better to bounce than break. 😁

[@chuckdiego719]

64 and still riding. Risk vs. reward. Damn it’s fun!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

The constant balancing act!

[@supermotardedforever]

41yrs old here. I thought i was starting to mellow out and lose my edge a few years ago. Turns out I'm just on a different part of the blade. Sure I'm dialed down a bit with big jumps and high speed (1 percent every year after 35.) But in the last 3 years I've developed slow speed techinical skills that I always dreamed of but never had the patience for. Keep turning pages and there is always more to the story.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I've been on a very similar path, although it sounds like you were into motocross? After two sets of multiple fractures I decided to focus on slow technical riding over the past six years (and did trials for two years). I reckon it's even more challenging AND a lot safer, despite a recent spine fracture.

[@supermotardedforever]

@@crosstrainingadventure yeah I used to race amateur mx. Only one concussion. I've been lucky that I seem to crash well. Sounds like you've taken some nasty hits! Good on ya for staying in the game. The couch is more deadly than anything! Have fun and ride smart!

[@t60six87]

The music in this video was superb

[@allenguimond4634]

Great motorcycle share. Thanks

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Glad you enjoyed it Allen

[@hammondB3ify]

Great video and although I took more chances on sketchier bikes in my youth, -at 57 I appreciate riding offroad now more than any other time in my life. I know each ride is a bucket list moment. Nice storytelling. Looking forward to more

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Cheers Robert! Hoping to average a vid a week if possible but might be tricky with running the enduro channel too.

[@lovelessissimo]

If you watch the Fortnine video, it is very telling about who exactly is doing all the dying on motorcycles, and which bikes they are dying on.

[@Joe-co4sq]

Great video and God bless! May you have many more years of riding.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Cheers Joe! Very lucky the recent spine fracture wasn't worse so will definitely be taking it a bit easier to ensure plenty of years to go...

[@darwincowell2668]

Love where you're riding, my favourite type of terrain. 69 and loving my 790 Adventure. Adventure riding hones both on-road and off-road skills. It's a powerful reason to stay in good shape. Put the maps away, get on your bike, get lost, and you'll be amazed at what you find. Be realistic about those death stats though. The reason the percentage of deaths swing into our age group is that we have become a larger cohort as more of us stay with biking or return to it, and fewer young people are taking up the sport.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

So true Darwin, some of the best rides are when you get lost. 😁

[@JosephMyLife]

I feel ya on a lot of these points you're making.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

I chat with a lot of riders about this sort of thing and it's something almost all of us start think more about from around 30 on.

[@JosephMyLife]

@@crosstrainingadventure I'm a late bloomer, I guess it started more around 40. I just had another baby and everyone said they could instantly tell my riding has changed once he was born. I didn't even notice at first.

[@michaelchristopher2549]

I’m 51 and have been riding since I was 8. All types of bikes over the years but, now my favorite is my DR650. I also have a Honda NC750X but, I much prefer to be off road these days. I had a kidney transplant 10 years ago and I learned that every day is a gift and I don’t plan on wasting it on fear of growing older...I should have taken a dirt-nap 10 years ago...lol. Have fun and live without fear! 🤘

[@crosstrainingadventure]

My brother and I popped out for an afternoon ride with the DR650s yesterday, and were raving about them as usual. Cheap, reliable, fun on sealed or dirt roads. And the engines are quite lively once you derestrict them!

[@gregorycotter6461]

Generation X !!!! Never grow up, ever!!

[@johnsinclair8331]

Nice video Barry. About to order a tenere t7 to get me through the 60s

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Nice one John! Is this THE John I saw up at the beach recently? I've been trying to work out how to get back in touch.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Cheers John, got your number now. Be good to catch up for a ride, I reckon I could probably do a morning ride now without the spine fracture hurting too much. 😁

[@johnmignano7872]

Barry, hardest part is facing the fact a lot of us get trapped in a role that is someone else dream, are we looking for our true identity, maybe 2 wheels are less baggage but more soulful...

[@crosstrainingadventure]

That is definitely a trap worth avoiding if possible, John!

[@docjohnson2874]

Well done my friend.......sage advise to be sure....ride on.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Thanks, will do!

[@Dave-sw2dm]

When it came to dual sport / adventure riding, I didn't start until I was 40. Equivalent street bikes were always more value for the money. I've gone from a DRZ-400 to KLR650 to KLX250S to Himalayan and Van Van 200. I tore my shoulder AC joint on the KLX250S so now I am a much slower and careful rider 19 years later. I also ride the street, and have a couple street bikes, but I live where you might go an hour between seeing cars on the roads.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Mostly car-free streets must be great, Dave. It's so bad in my city that I often take the DR650 out in my truck to the city limits... then start riding. Cycling for exercise is getting dangerous too. 😒

[@MrRonronnj]

its you again with some sensible advice TY

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Cheers, Ron! Statistically you are likely to get the occasional bit of sensible advice on this channel... after wading through all the other stuff lol.

[@Roadghost88]

At this age I'm not in a hurry to do anything but bump along looking at the scenery on a nice dirt trail, or back road or whatever.

[@BadgerMcblasty]

I fall into this exact category. A bicyclist all my life (43 years ), never got a vehicle licence of any type. Just bought a 2019 tamani edition DR650SE with 500km on the clock, rejetted with a delkivic exhaust system. Gonna give it the FFRC treatment, then I’m off into the wilderness for a bit. Getting the Will and testament in order though. Safe than sorry.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Let me know how your suspension works out. The head suspension tuner is now a guy with even more experience in suspension design than the previous bloke... I'll be visiting him soon with my new bike.

[@BadgerMcblasty]

@@crosstrainingadventure yea will do. I bought it from a bloke in Queensland that knows the new guy, via dealing with him when he dialled in his older DR. Hence the bloke selling his newer 650, kinda realised he didn’t need two bushpigs. Lucky me!!!

[@aaronemblem266]

I’m nearing 30 years old..rode dirt bikes in my early teens but didn’t stick with it..2 days ago I got myself a ktm 520exc and I am stoked. I am ready to hit the trails just gotta get myself a pair of riding boots and I’ll be ready to rip

[@erocnw1341]

I recently started riding again after 30 years off! Raised a family and worked a lot during that time. Started with a DR but I live in a big city and don't have any nearby trails so I now have an Africa Twin. I love it but I found that I've lost my nerve and have had to slowly build up my confidence. It seems like it's much more dangerous on the road now than it was 30 years ago, but maybe I was just too young and dumb to know any better back then. In any case, I'm having fun riding.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

So many of us back in after a few decades off... and yes the roads are a lot crazier I think. I'll often just put the DR650 in the back and drive out to the dirt roads now just to avoid all those drivers trying to text while driving. 😒

[@dandersonjr]

Yup I swear you made this video about me. Described me to a Tee. Even the standing up really fast part.

[@johnsullivan7262]

Great observations and some good flowing two track!

[@ngzcaz]

Good video... introspection.

[@Liberty4Ever]

I bought myself a BMW G310GS for my 60th birthday a month ago. My wife wasn't happy. I rode a DR350 when I was 40, mostly as an urban assault commuter bike. The baby GS has better road manners, which still doesn't compensate for my diminished vision, balance, and reaction time. I plan on making up the difference with my more mature riding sensibilities. I never enjoyed riding fast or highways. My goals now are fun trips around town and riding secondary roads and dirt roads on some motorcycle camping adventures and maybe even some longer adventures.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

So are you liking the Beemer? Probably not my sort of bike but I'd really like to try one some time. They appear to be quite light...

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@crosstrainingadventure - The baby GS is easier to ride than the more maneuverable DR350, and it's easier to swing a leg over which is a concern at 60 and beyond. It looks like a bigger bike than it is. It's more refined than the DR, as I'd expect for a Euro snob bike. You know, the entire "BMW experience". It's probably a good thing I never cared what others thought, because I can imagine riders of Japanese bikes teasing me about not getting any dirt on my pretty BMW on the way to Starbucks, and the 800GS and 1200GS owners telling me that the inexpensive 310GS that was made in India isn't a real GS. I think BMW did a great job making a nice bike for the Asian market, but I love the idea of a 300 to 400 cc adventure bike for how I ride. 300cc is actually all I need or want. I do wish BMW offered an upgraded version like their previous Dakar with spoke wheels, aluminum bash plate, center stand, upgraded suspension and crash bars for $2000 or (because BMW) $3000 more. I added an aluminum bash plate, but honestly, for my timid old man adventures, it's probably fine as it is, with one exception. It should have a 4 or 5 gallon gas tank instead of 2.9 gallons. If I go on long remote adventures, I'll carry a 3 gallon Ropax fuel bottle. Even if a person never needs that longer range, who wants to stop for 2.5 gallons of gas? Why do these manufacturers sell adventure bikes with tiny gas tanks?

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@crosstrainingadventure - PS - If I can hit parking lot speed bumps at 90 KPH on the G310GS like I did with my DR350, I'll be happy. That duh-dut sound was always so satisfying. The Beemer seems too refined for such hooning. We'll see.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Don't listen to the critics, sometimes the roads to Starbucks can get quite rough if there are cracks in the bitumen. 😊 Apparently how bikes are weighed has finally been standardized and it includes topping the tank up... I suspect this will encourage smaller tanks unfortunately.

[@peterorro883]

Loving your work!

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Cheers, Peter!

[@duzybrzuch4289]

I love your Vids, I love your voice my friend. Greatings from Poland ❤️

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Dzięki Duzy!

[@jadymulqueeney]

great piece of philosophy, thanks...

[@twistedthrottle8513]

Only reason i got a new harley street bob few months back is misses likes to come on the back for a cruise ever now and then ,and the T7 little tall not really suited for 2 up ,got a me eye on a new wr250f now as well ,all bases covered

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Never owned a WR but rode one for a week, really solid bikes with awesome suspension.

[@RadRob84]

Time was running through my fingers too fast so I squeezed harder and now I have arm pump

[@crosstrainingadventure]

😂

[@dallas_shannon]

If four out of five riders hate arm pump does this mean that someone likes it?

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Masochists! 😂 Too much self pleasuring in my case probably...

[@brotherbrenden]

I really like yr views on riding. Good on you

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Cheers Brenden

[@graemesydney38]

5:40 Somewhere between 10 and 20 times more decision making and rider inputs happen in 1klm of dirt riding compared to 1klm road riding.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

That wouldn't surprise me at all, Graeme. And probably why I get bored so quickly with road riding (go fast through corners is an antidote but too dangerous for my liking nowadays).

[@graemesydney38]

@@crosstrainingadventure I don't get bored on the road at the speeds I want to go; it is the long arm of the law and the loss of licence that slows me down.

[@supermotarded1]

Great vid man...loved it

[@RangerRyke]

I’m looking forward to grey hair. My luck I’ll loose it all first.

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Superglue?

[@drchan5893]

a lot of middle aged men lose hair from the top of the head so they shave it all off your beard turns grey and hair grows all over ya back. a lot of guys just shave their head at an early age due to grey hair, and stress

[@cobrin6437]

Well you either have hair or you'll loose it, but, if you do keep it, the trade off is you'll go grey. That's the penalty I reckon. I'm cool with that and my greys lol

[@crosstrainingadventure]

🤣

[@johnmarino6444]

I feel the same way we only life one life enjoy yourself

[@MikeMasson]

you speak the truth as always Barry! Love the videos

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Cheers Mike!

[@wave6413]

What - You talking to me, or reading my mind, yep decades between bikes so back on a 250 (for a while at least) loving it, I have a dirt road to beach 30 seconds out the door to hoon on the beach and relearning some skills - Its a blast. You offer sound advice re protection, so whilst you have our limited attention perhaps you could do a back to basics on what you use wear and how and when, type of up-load. I'm old enough to take advice now without my ego getting a battering...

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Sorry Darren, I did a mind reading course and have breached your privacy. The best protection is to wear a stainless steel colander on your head. I did protective gear vid a while back although it's not as comprehensive as the one on our enduro channel.

[@stevenkorezelidis804]

top job Barry

[@crosstrainingadventure]

Thanks Steven!